Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport prohibits smoking on-site.

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport has an easier policy on smoking than many other Chinese airports, with a separate smoking lounge in both pre-security and post-security areas. However, no smoking is permitted inside the terminal, within gates, toilets, restaurants, retailers, lounges, or corridors unless there is a designated smoking area marked with signage.

Check your terminal at TFU, as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have separate smoking areas and it may take a long time to walk to the other terminal if your gate is far away.

Before Security

Until security screening, smoking is only permitted in smoking areas outside the terminal buildings.

The easiest option for people arriving early, waiting to check in, or wanting a cigarette before proceeding through security to the departure lounge. Those who have already passed through the airport's security checks are advised not to return through the terminal on the grounds this may require passage through the checks again.

After Security

However, TFU has smoking areas after airport security, which many of the airports have gotten rid of entirely, making it easier to smoke.

The main smoking area at Terminal 1 is at the courtyard near Gate 113 on Level 3, and this is for international, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan departures at Terminal 1 where the gate is located in this part of the terminal. As it is described as a courtyard, it may not have the intimacy of a small, enclosed smoking room.

There are various smoking areas located on Level 2 within Terminal 2. This is located mainly around Gate 211, Gate 217, Gate 229 and Gate 236. For domestic passengers on Terminal 2, smoking areas are scattered around the different gate zones rather than in one area.

Terminal 1

When departing from Terminal 1, there is a Level 3 smoking area next to Gate 113 after security.

This is the strongest current reference to Terminal 1. If not visible when you arrive, look for Smoking Area / 吸烟区 signs, or ask airport personnel near the gate area.

Terminal 2

For Terminal 2 departures, smoking areas are located on Level 2 near:

• Gate 211

• Gate 217

• Gate 229

• Gate 236

These are more convenient for domestic passengers as there are options depending on the departure terminal, but again since TFU is a large airport you should choose the smoking area closest to your gate rather than risking walking across the terminal at the last minute.

Closed or Less Reliable Areas

I don't see strong evidence that TFU has removed all post-security smoking areas. Current gate-level information still mentions post-security smoking areas in both terminals.

That said, the location of airport smoking rooms in China can change: follow the signage within the airport on the date of your travels, rather than your old gate number.

Vaping at TFU

TFU does not differentiate between vaping versus smoking, so the best course is to treat vaping as smoking if a passenger is found using it.

Do not use e-cigarettes inside the terminal, around gates, in toilets, restaurants, shops, lounges, transfer and other public areas unless in designated smoking areas or permitted by airport staff.

Practical Advice

This is manageable at Chengdu Tianfu Airport if you're acquainted with your terminal and gate area and look for a smoking room.

Terminal 1's is located on Level 3, near Gate 113, and Terminal 2's is located on Level 2 near Gates 211, 217, 229, or 236. Prior to security, smoking is only allowed in designated areas outside terminal buildings.

Only smoke in the designated smoking areas, characterized by signs that read 吸烟区. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to make your gate.